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Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.1K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

This pattern creates a charming Dreamy Donkey amigurumi worked mostly in single crochet with shaping for a soulful face and floppy ears. It includes step-by-step instructions for eye-whites, eyelids, head, body, legs, belly, ears and full assembly. Clear photos and notes guide you through shaping, color changes, and embroidery details to bring expression to your donkey.

Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Designed for intermediate crocheters familiar with basic amigurumi techniques, the pattern uses 2 mm hooks and semi-cotton yarn for a neat finish. Plenty of tips on placement, stuffing and finishing ensure your final toy looks polished and adorable.

Why You'll Love This Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings so much personality to a small toy with just a few clever shaping techniques. I enjoy how the eyelids, embroidered details and back-loop smile create a soulful expression that makes each donkey feel unique. The step-by-step photos make the assembly feel achievable and rewarding, even when there are many small parts to join. I appreciate that the pattern allows variations in yarn to make different sizes, so you can experiment and create a whole herd of donkeys. Sharing this pattern feels like sharing a little friend you can handcraft and gift with love.

Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this Dreamy Donkey by changing yarn and hook sizes for different results.

Try using plush yarn like Dolphin Fine with a larger hook to create a cuddly, larger donkey perfect for snuggling.

Use fingering or sport weight yarn with a smaller hook to make a tiny keychain-sized donkey for gifts or bag charms.

Swap colors to make themed donkeys — pastel shades for a nursery or bold brights for a playful set.

Embroider different facial expressions by adjusting eyebrow placement and the depth of the smile stitch.

Add felt accents instead of crocheted eye-whites for a quicker finish and sharper shapes.

Experiment with textured stitches or back-post single crochet on the body for a ribbed coat effect.

Create outfits or tiny accessories like bows, scarves or hats to give each donkey a unique personality.

I sometimes add a small bead or button for a tail mount instead of a sewn tuft to give a different look.

For posable limbs, consider inserting thin wire into the legs before stuffing or make a jointed set using small buttons where strength is needed.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping stitch markers when working long rounds and decreases can shift shaping; place and move a stitch marker to keep the beginning of rounds consistent. ✗ Forgetting to stuff gradually results in lumps and loss of shape; stuff small amounts evenly as you work to maintain smooth contours. ✗ Changing color without securing tails can create messy seams; fasten off and weave in ends, or carry the yarn neatly to avoid visible joins. ✗ Not counting stitches after increases or decreases will lead to size mismatches; count stitches after each round especially during shaping sections. ✗ Pulling yarn too tight on small details like eyelids or eye-whites can distort shapes; maintain medium, even tension for tidy results.

Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

Make a sweet, squeezable Dreamy Donkey with this step-by-step crochet pattern. You will find clear instructions for every piece, from eye-whites to legs, plus assembly tips to bring your donkey to life. Perfect for crafting a thoughtful handmade gift or a charming addition to your amigurumi collection. Follow the photos and notes to achieve adorable results.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Dreamy Donkey Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Semi-cotton / cotton yarn (~330 m/100 g) (e.g. YarnArt Jeans, Alize Cotton Gold) - main color consumption ~50 g
  • 02
    Alize Cotton Gold colors used: 40 (blue), 166 (lilac), 01 (ivory), 33 (pink) - small amounts for accents
  • 03
    Ivory/beige/light-pink yarn for muzzle - less than 50 g
  • 04
    Black yarn/thread for embroidering eyelid line, nostrils and mane - small amount
  • 05
    Lilac yarn for inner part of legs and belly - less than 50 g
  • 06
    Pink yarn for inner part of ears - less than 50 g
  • 07
    Crimson yarn for a bow - small amount
  • 08
    White yarn for eye-white (or white felt pieces) - small amount
  • 09
    Himalaya Dolphin Fine plush yarn (for larger donkey) 170 m/100 g (190 yds/3.5 oz) - 1 ball of main color for a bigger donkey

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.0 mm (recommended for this toy)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 3.0 mm (for bow)
  • 03
    Optional: 0.5-1 mm larger hook if you want a bigger donkey
  • 04
    Pair of safety eyes 5 mm (for bigger donkey use 8-10 mm)
  • 05
    Thin black thread like Iris for embroidery
  • 06
    Button for tail ~5 mm
  • 07
    Yarn sewing needles for assembly
  • 08
    Stitch markers
  • 09
    Pins with large head for positioning parts
  • 10
    Scissors
  • 11
    Fiber filling (polyester stuffing)
  • 12
    Synthetic/tooth thread for thread mount (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Eye-white :

Info :

*white semi-cotton yarn, 2 mm hook (for a bigger donkey use 0,5-1 mm larger hook)

Round 0 :

Chain 4 (foundation)

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 2 SC, 4 SC into the last chain from the hook, on the other side: SC, SS (8)

Info :

Join the oval with SS in the first St of a round. Fix the thread, leave a long ending for sewing and withdraw it to the wrong side. Insert the eyes so that they are offset to the centre (don't fix the cap, if it is available in the kit).

— Eyelid :

Info :

*blue semi-cotton yarn, 2 mm hook (you may use a larger hook size if the eyelids are small for the eyes)

Round 1 :

6 SC in MR

Info :

Tighten the ring not to the end, so that the stitches are located along the semicircle (see photo). Fix the thread and leave a long ending for sewing.

— Head :

Info :

*start working with ivory semi-cotton thread, 2 mm hook. *stuff in process

Round 0 :

Chain 6 - work in spiral (without a turning CH and SS) as in all amigurumi toys (oval-shape detail)

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 4 SC, 3 SC into the last chain from the hook; on the other side of the chain: 3 SC, INC (12)

Round 2 :

INC, 3 SC, 3 INC, 3 SC, 2 INC (18)

Round 3 :

SC, INC, 3 SC, (SC, INC)*3, 3 SC, (SC, INC)*2 (24)

Round 4 :

2 SC, INC, 3 SC, (2 SC, INC)*3, 3 SC, (2 SC, INC)*2 (30)

Round 5 :

3 SC, INC, 3 SC, (3 SC, INC)*3, 3 SC, (3 SC, INC)*2 (36)

Round 6 :

4 SC, INC, 3 SC, (4 SC, INC)*3, 3 SC, (4 SC, INC)*2 (42)

Round 7 :

42 SC

Info :

Next, we need to align the crocheting with the initial round (if required) so that the round begins exactly on the side of the oval; for this purpose we move the stitch marker one St above the line of the initial chain (see photo).

Info :

In Round 8 we make an extension (increases) for a smile; to do it - work 3 SC in one front loop; attach additional stitch marker to back loops - so not to miss them, because we are going to make a smile tightening with the help of these back loops further in Round 13.

Round 8 :

(20 SC, 3 SC in one front loop)*2 (46)

Round 9-10 :

2 rounds 46 SC

Round 11 :

(21 SC, DEC)*2 (44)

Round 12 :

(20 SC, DEC)*2 (42)

Info :

Change the color to blue.

Round 13 :

2 SC, DEC, 13 SC, DEC, SC, SC together with the back loop from Round 8, 20 SC, SC together with the back loop from Round 8 (40)

Info :

In Round 13 make a smile tightening with the help of back loops from Round 8.

Round 14 :

2 SC, DEC, 11 SC, DEC, 23 SC (38)

Round 15 :

2 SC, DEC, 9 SC, DEC, 23 SC (36)

Round 16 :

2 SC, DEC, 7 SC, DEC, 23 SC (34)

Round 17 :

2 SC, DEC, 5 SC, DEC, 23 SC (32)

Round 18 :

5 SC, INC, 26 SC (33)

Round 19-23 :

5 rounds 33 SC

Info :

If you use plastic eyes with caps, insert them at this stage between Rounds 18 and 19 at the distance of 4-6 SC.

Round 24 :

(9 SC, DEC)*3 (30)

Round 25 :

(3 SC, DEC)*6 (24)

Round 26 :

(2 SC, DEC)*6 (18)

Round 27 :

(SC, DEC)*6 (12)

Round 28 :

6 DEC (6)

Info :

Tighten the hole, fix the thread and hide the end inside the head.

— Ear :

Info :

*crochet 4 identical details: 2 details made of blue yarn and 2 details made of pink yarn, 2 mm hook. *don't stuff. *make a turn and work a turning CH at the end of each round

Round 0 :

Chain 3

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 2 SC

Round 2-3 :

2 rows 2 SC

Round 4 :

INC, SC (3)

Round 5-7 :

3 rows 3 SC

Round 8 :

INC, 2 SC (4)

Round 9-11 :

3 rows 4 SC

Round 12 :

INC, 3 SC (5)

Round 13 :

INC, 4 SC (6)

Round 14-17 :

4 rows 6 SC

Round 18 :

Skip a St, 5 SC (5)

Round 19 :

Skip a St, 4 SC (4)

Round 20 :

Skip a St, 3 SC (3)

Round 21 :

Skip a St, 2 SC (2)

Round 22 :

Skip a St, SC (1)

Info :

Fix the thread and hide ends between loops on the one side of the detail.

Info :

Ear assembly: attach blue and pink parts of the ear to each other so that the hidden ends of the threads appears inside; pink part is at the front, blue part is at the back; crochet two details together with SC with blue thread; begin with the upper side part of the ear, where was Round 0; work 3 SC in the bottom and two upper back loops of the ear; fix the thread with SS in the first St of crocheting around, leave a long ending to sew.

— Head assembly :

Info :

Sew eye-white.

Info :

Sew eyelids so that the inner parts are higher than the outer ones.

Info :

While sewing eyelids you may circle the eye-white with blue thread and fix it with a stitch.

Info :

Embroider eyelids line with black thick thread.

Info :

Embroider a smile.

Info :

Embroider stitch line in the middle of the head with thin black thread; embroider additional stitches straight across the main line to fix it and make a stitch to fix the smile in the middle.

Info :

Embroider eyebrows and nostrils.

Info :

Sew the ears between Rounds 24 and 26.

— Body :

Info :

*blue semi-cotton yarn, 2 mm hook. *stuff in process

Round 1 :

6 SC in MR

Round 2 :

6 INC (12)

Round 3 :

(SC, INC)*6 (18)

Round 4 :

(2 SC, INC)*6 (24)

Round 5 :

(3 SC, INC)*6 (30)

Round 6 :

(4 SC, INC)*6 (36)

Round 7 :

(5 SC, INC)*6 (42)

Round 8 :

(6 SC, INC)*6 (48)

Round 9 :

(7 SC, INC)*6 (54)

Round 10 :

(8 SC, INC)*6 (60)

Round 11 :

(9 SC, INC)*6 (66)

Round 12-21 :

10 rounds 66 SC

Info :

A series of decreases begins in Round 22; pay attention to the shifting line of the beginning of the round - it must always be straight (stitch marker is behind, in the middle, on the back), so that the DECs do not shift to the side; to do this, monitor position of the stitch marker in the round with DECs; if it shifts, move it exactly to the middle of the back.

Round 22 :

15 SC, (4 SC, DEC)*6, 15 SC (60)

Round 23 :

60 SC

Round 24 :

15 SC, (3 SC, DEC)*6, 15 SC (54)

Round 25 :

54 SC

Round 26 :

15 SC, (2 SC, DEC)*6, 15 SC (48)

Round 27 :

48 SC

Round 28 :

15 SC, (SC, DEC)*6, 15 SC (42)

Round 29 :

42 SC

Round 30 :

15 SC, 6 DEC, 15 SC (36)

Round 31-34 :

4 rounds 36 SC

Round 35 :

12 SC, 6 DEC, 12 SC (30)

Round 36-38 :

3 rounds 30 SC

Round 39 :

9 SC, 6 DEC, 9 SC (24)

Info :

Then count 7 SC from the middle of the neck (on the back) on the left and on the right and place stitch markers (they should be placed symetrically on the sides). Continue working until the left stitch marker: 6 SC, SS. Then work a turning CH, turn, skip SS from the previous row and work 12 SC, SS until the next stitch marker. Fix the thread and leave a long ending for sewing the head.

— Front leg :

Info :

*all 4 details are crocheted by one pattern, but first crochet 2 details of lilac color, and then - blue ones, because we will continue the assembly of the leg without cutting the thread of the blue detail. *2 mm hook. *make a turn and work a turning CH at the end of each round

Round 0 :

Chain 3

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 2 SC

Round 2 :

INC, SC (3)

Round 3-5 :

3 rows 3 SC

Round 6 :

INC, 2 SC (4)

Round 7-20 :

14 rows 4 SC

Round 21 :

Skip a St, 3 SC (3)

Round 22 :

Skip a St, 2 SC (2)

Info :

Work a CH, turn the detail to the side and crochet it around with SC; work 3 SC in two upper loops on the sides, and in two lower loops - 2 SC. (Only for lilac details) Fix the thread with SS in the first St, hide endings between loops on the one side of the detail.

Info :

Leg assembly: don't cut the thread of the blue detail; attach the lilac detail at the back and start crocheting around two details together with SC. Stuff at the end of crocheting around. Fix the thread with SS in the very first St, hide it inside. (Optional) Embroider stitches along the leg with black thin thread.

— Back leg :

Info :

*all 4 details are crocheted by one pattern, but first crochet 2 details of lilac color, and then - blue ones, because we will continue the assembly of the leg without cutting the thread of the blue detail. *when crocheting the second detail of each color turn the detail and crochet it around in the other direction (thus, there should be two details - left and right, in mirror reflection). *2 mm hook. *make a turn and work a turning CH at the end of each round

Round 0 :

Chain 6

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 4 SC, INC (6)

Round 2 :

INC, SC, 2 DEC (5)

Round 3 :

Skip a St, 4 SC (4)

Round 4 :

2 SC, DEC (3)

Round 5 :

Skip a St, 2 SC (2)

Round 6 :

2 SC

Round 7 :

INC, SC (3)

Round 8 :

3 SC

Round 9 :

INC, 2 SC (4)

Round 10 :

3 SC, INC (5)

Round 11 :

INC, 4 SC (6)

Round 12 :

5 SC, INC (7)

Round 13 :

INC, 6 SC (8)

Round 14 :

8 SC

Round 15 :

INC, 7 SC (9)

Round 16-18 :

3 rows 9 SC

Round 19 :

Skip a St, 6 SC, DEC (7)

Round 20 :

Skip a St, 4 SC, DEC (5)

Round 21 :

Skip a St, 2 SC, DEC (3)

Info :

Work a CH, turn the detail to the side and crochet it around with SC; work 3 SC in two upper loops on the sides, 3 SC in one loop on the toe, and don't work increases on the heel. (Only for lilac details) Fix the thread with SS in the first St, hide endings between loops on the one side of the detail: for the left leg - on one side, for the right - on the other.

Info :

Leg assembly: don't cut the thread of the blue detail; attach the lilac detail at the back and start crocheting around two details together with SC, work 3 SC in one loop on the toe; stuff at the end of crocheting around; fix the thread with SS in the very first St, hide it inside. (Optional) Embroider stitches along the leg with black thin thread.

— Belly :

Info :

*lilac semi-cotton yarn, 2 mm hook. *make a turn and work a turning CH at the end of each round

Round 0 :

Chain 5

Round 1 :

(start in the 2nd chain from the hook) 4 SC

Round 2 :

INC, 3 SC (5)

Round 3 :

INC, 4 SC (6)

Round 4 :

INC, 4 SC, INC (8)

Round 5 :

INC, 6 SC, INC (10)

Round 6 :

INC, 8 SC, INC (12)

Round 7 :

INC, 10 SC, INC (14)

Round 8 :

INC, 12 SC, INC (16)

Round 9 :

INC, 14 SC, INC (18)

Round 10 :

INC, 16 SC, INC (20)

Info :

Work a CH, crochet the detail around with SC, work 3 SC in two loops on the sides from above and from below. Work SS in the first loop of crocheting around and leave a long ending to sew.

Round 11 :

INC, 18 SC, INC (22)

Round 12-17 :

6 rows 22 SC

Round 18 :

Skip a St, 19, DEC (20)

Round 19 :

Skip a St, 17, DEC (18)

Round 20 :

Skip a St, 15, DEC (16)

Round 21 :

Skip a St, 13, DEC (14)

Round 22 :

Skip a St, 11, DEC (12)

Round 23 :

Skip a St, 9, DEC (10)

Round 24 :

Skip a St, 7, DEC (8)

Round 25 :

Skip a St, 5, DEC (6)

Round 26 :

Skip a St, 3, DEC (4)

Assembly Instructions

  • Sew eye-white pieces in place and attach eyelids so inner parts are higher than outer ones, securing with short stitches and leaving long threads to finish and hide.
  • Embroider the eyelid line and eyebrows with thick black thread, then embroider a center stitch line down the head with thin black thread and add small stitches across to fix the smile.
  • Sew ears to the head between Rounds 24 and 26, pinning them symmetrically then sewing through the head fabric to secure.
  • Attach the head to the body by inserting the head into the neck opening and sewing with the long tail left from the body, ensuring alignment with the back center stitch marker.
  • Join legs by stacking the lilac and blue leg details, crocheting around both pieces together with SC to close and shape, stuff at the end of crocheting around and secure with SS.
  • Sew belly into the body opening and finish by embroidering nostrils, mouth details and adding mane and tail button, securing all ends inside.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds and to mark placement for eyes, ears and leg attachments for accurate assembly.
  • 💡Stuff gradually and evenly to maintain smooth shaping; overstuffing can distort the toy and under-stuffing will make seams collapse.
  • 💡When changing colors, fasten off neatly and weave in ends, or carry yarn in rows where appropriate to avoid messy joins visible on the surface.
  • 💡Position and pin all parts before sewing to ensure symmetry and consistent placement before permanently attaching them.

This dreamy little donkey is designed to steal hearts with floppy ears, soulful eyes, and a stitched smile. Handmade details like eyelids and embroidered features make each toy unique and full of personality. Create one for yourself or make a whole herd to gift—these donkeys are irresistibly charming. 🧶😊🧵

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The finished amigurumi measures approximately 13 cm (5.1") when made with Alize Cotton Gold and a 2 mm hook; using plush yarn (Himalaya Dolphin Fine) and a larger hook will yield a bigger toy (~22 cm shown).

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights but the final size will change; choose an appropriate hook for your yarn and note that plush yarn produces a larger, softer donkey while semi-cotton gives a tidier finish.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so familiarity with single crochet, increases, decreases and working in the round is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary depending on experience level, yarn choice and how much time you spend on embroidering and assembly.

Where should I place the eyes and ears for correct expression?

Place the eye-whites and eyes offset to the centre according to the photos; the ears are sewn between Rounds 24 and 26 of the head to achieve the correct floppy placement.